The giant pouched rats (genus Cricetomys) of sub-Saharan Africa are large muroid rodents. Their head and body lengths range from 25–45 cm (9.8–17.7 in) with scaly tails ranging from 36–46 cm (14.2–18.1 in). They weigh between 1 and 1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lbs).